Rural dialysis centre achieves major healthcare milestone in Dakshina Kannada
Kateel: Durga Sanjeevani Manipal Hospital (DSM Hospital), Kateel, has achieved a significant healthcare milestone by successfully completing 10,000 dialysis sessions since the launch of its dialysis unit in January 2022.
The achievement highlights the hospital’s commitment towards making quality renal care affordable and accessible to rural and underserved communities in Dakshina Kannada and surrounding regions.
One of India’s smallest towns with dialysis facility
Located in the temple town of Kateel, DSM Hospital is believed to be among the smallest towns in India to house a dedicated dialysis facility offering regular advanced renal care services.
Despite its small geographical and population size, the hospital has emerged as an important rural dialysis centre catering to patients from nearby villages and surrounding areas.
Reducing travel burden for rural patients
Before the dialysis unit was established locally, patients often had to travel frequently to Mangaluru or Manipal for life-saving treatment.
The hospital’s dialysis unit now enables patients to access regular treatment closer to home, reducing financial strain and travel difficulties for families.
Many beneficiaries include:
- Farmers
- Daily wage workers
- Senior citizens
- Economically weaker families
Affordable dialysis services
DSM Hospital currently operates five modern haemodialysis machines and offers dialysis at highly subsidised rates.
Dialysis charges:
- BPL card holders: ₹300 per session
- Other patients: ₹600 per session
The subsidised model has been made possible through CSR partnerships and charitable contributions.
Expert nephrology team and advanced facilities
The dialysis centre functions under the guidance of Dr. Mayoor Prabhu, Consultant Nephrologist, supported by a trained team of nurses, dialysis technicians, and healthcare professionals.
The facility is equipped with:
- Advanced dialysis technology
- International-standard water purification systems
- Patient safety and quality monitoring systems
Support from CSR partners acknowledged
The hospital acknowledged the valuable support extended by CSR partners and organisations including:
- Mr. Shashikiran Shetty of Allcargo
- Dr. Suresh S. Rao of Sanjeevani Charitable Trust
- Mr. Jagadish
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Their contributions have played a key role in sustaining affordable dialysis services in rural Karnataka.
Hospital plans expansion of dialysis unit
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shivanand Prabhu, Hospital Incharge of DSM Hospital, said the completion of 10,000 dialysis sessions represents thousands of lives supported during difficult times.
He stated that the hospital’s goal has always been to ensure quality treatment for rural patients without forcing them to travel long distances or spend beyond their means.
Building on this achievement, the hospital has announced plans to expand the dialysis unit from five machines to eight machines in the coming months to meet growing demand for renal care services.
Conclusion
The milestone achieved by Durga Sanjeevani Manipal Hospital reflects the growing importance of accessible rural healthcare infrastructure and highlights the positive impact of affordable dialysis services for underserved communities in coastal Karnataka.